³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

A new name has appeared under 'A' on the global address list of staff who work in the Assembly. It belongs to Natasha Asghar, daughter of Mohammad Asghar

At the time he said he'd become the first ever AM to cross the floor because he felt "out of tune" with Plaid policies, especially the rather crucial ambition of securing independence for Wales in the long term. Respect for the Royal Family seemed a key reason for defecting too.

Plaid hit back, accusing Mr Asghar of walking out without the courtesy of warning his support staff or his leader because Plaid hadn't agreed to let him employ his daughter. It was an explanation to which Mr Asghar himself gave some credence in later interviews. His brand new colleagues wish he hadn't. Natasha Asghar, they said, was not working for her father and he had no plans to employ her.

So, is Natasha Asghar working for her Dad? Yes, says Mr Asghar but she's not being paid. "She is not a burden on Assembly finances". In typical robust, if not entirely thought-through fashion, Mr Asghar says that when he changed his allegiance his staff "walked out on him - I was without support staff other than my wife". She is the other 'Asghar' on the list above.

Does he have any plans to make Natasha's position permanent, as suggested by her inclusion in the global address book and to pay her in future? After all .

"Only time will tell."

• Bookmark with:
• |
• |
• |
• |
• - What's this?